Other Food Allergies

new to school

My daughter will be going to Kindergarten in the fall. (Severe allergies to eggs and nuts) I had talked with the teacher and she had agreed I volunteer. Then, the principal called me and stated I could not volunteer on a FT basis due to "union" issues. True? My daughter will only be there 2 and 1/2 days per week next year, I can't believe they will not allow me to be there or even more that they are not relieved. She's stating that my daughter needs to be independent! What are you crazy? We are not talking about a doting Mom here. My son is in Kindergarten now (allergy free), I'm not with him 24/7. I have been reading your boards, what is a 504????? What laws can back me up. The nurse is not present full time but she states the office staff is trained on the epi pen. What about the lunch room aids? recess aids? Will they all be trained that if my daughter vomits, etc., it is an emergency and not the flu. I am sure you all understand my apprehension. When asked what systems they have in place, she really had no answer. I am totally upset. Their focus is on reaction rather than prevention! HELP!

Hello, and welcome! My first bit of advice to you is to post this topic in the Schools forum. This thread is rarely used and I almost didn't see it, so no one else probably did either.

As far as volunteering, I have done lots of volunteering but I don't think you want to set the precedent that you will always be there to take care of your daughter, so they don't have to. They need to come up with a plan and follow it. It may be feasible for you to volunteer full time now, but what about next year, etc.

A 504 is a plan you come up with together with the school that lists all the accomodations your child needs to be safe at school. Some examples of things that are usually in them is that staff should be trained regularly in the use of Epi-Pen, peanut free classrooms or tables, handwashing by other students, etc. You should start this process immediately as it can take some time. The first thing you need to do is find out who the 504 coordinator is and request a meeting. There are a lot of threads that take you step by step through the process.

What plan do they have in place for where they will keep her Epi-Pens? My son has a full time aide that carries his meds and goes with him everywhere, but the staff is also trained regularly.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask. You will find great advice here, just ask where more people will see it!